Mission Statement

The mission of Just Facts is to research, document, and publish verifiable facts on the critical issues of our time. Our Standards of Credibility are used to determine what constitutes a credible fact and what does not.

We exist to equip people with information they can confidently use to make informed decisions in their personal lives, occupations, and in voting booths. Thus, we are establishing a comprehensive Internet source of logically organized and meticulously documented facts on a broad range of issues such as education, economics, health, taxes, national security, foreign affairs, social issues, environmental issues, and Constitutional law. We have a singular long-term goal: To become the most widely trusted, accessed, and cited resource library for public policy issues. To partner with us in this mission click here.

Who We Are

Just Facts is a non-profit research and educational institute that began as an informal endeavor in 1997 and was formalized a 501 (c) 3 organization in November 2007. James D. Agresti, the president and primary researcher, holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brown University and has worked as a designer of jet aircraft engines, technical sales professional, and chief engineer of a firm that customizes helicopters. Stephen F. Cardone, the vice-president and director of donor and coalition relations, holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Behavior and Management from Brown University. He has 18 years of private industry experience in corporate management, operations, logistics, accounting, and customer service. Additionally, our board of directors and supporters are an integral part of the Just Facts team, and help with fundraising, administration, research, and editing.

Our commitment to accuracy and exhaustive documentation have resulted in Internet links from government entities at the local, state and national levels, universities, non-profit organizations, radio shows, and newspapers. Visitors to this unique resource number in the millions, and numerous notes of appreciation from our readers underscore the impact of this worthwhile endeavor.

Everyone has personal political views, especially those involved in policy research and journalism. In the interest of transparency, we think it is incumbent upon such individuals to disclose this information. As is the case with any thoughtful group of people, the staff and board members of Just Facts have some varying opinions, but we overwhelmingly subscribe to these defining principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

In general parlance, we are conservative/libertarian in our viewpoints. This, however, does not mean we only present facts that coincide with our opinions. We are committed to objectivity and will report any fact that meets the criteria below, regardless of the implications.

Standards Of Credibility

* Facts: Every effort is made to keep the facts as plain as possible. The use of adverbs and subjective adjectives is limited.

* Excluded Facts: The only "facts" excluded are those that are rendered pointless by other facts and those that do not meet the Standards of Credibility listed here.

* Accuracy: Every fact is footnoted and thus, each stands or falls on its own merits. The newer sections are more scrupulously documented, and readers can click on each footnote to view the relevant data. Before citing a source, investigative and feasibility studies are often performed to confirm and eliminate information. Some of the content on Just Facts acutely illustrates how prestigious media entities sometimes provide erroneous and/or misleading information. Obviously, no one is above making a mistake, and in the world of politics, deception is rampant. By publishing detailed source information, readers have a tool at their disposal to help them in forming independent judgments.

* Minor Discrepancies: These are resolved by using the figures and facts that are contrary to our viewpoints. For example, it is our opinion that taxes are too high. Thus, if two credible sources list slightly different effective tax rates; say for example 21% and 23%, we use the 21% figure.

* Conclusions and Quotes: Every effort is made to keep quotes within context. Conclusions and quotes made by people with vested interests are excluded except to point out inconsistencies and hypocrisy.

* Incomplete Data: Facts are excluded if critical information is unaccounted for. Example: A study determines that under a certain proposal, “taxes for the average family will increase by $700 over the next four years.” This would be excluded if the study did not account for inflation, which may add $300 to the average tax bill regardless of whether or not the proposal is adopted.

* Balance: Our goal is accuracy, not balance. Press outlets often provide quotes from people on opposing sides of an issue. This in our opinion, is a charade. First, there is nothing to prevent a news source from quoting the most compelling argument from one side and the weakest of the other. Second, such soundbites are often loaded with rhetoric and misinformation. Our purpose is to publish objective facts regardless of the views they support, not to circulate half-truths and propaganda.

Our Challenge

While today's news media can be entertaining, ask yourself, "Does it give me the information I need to make quality decisions in my life and at the ballot box?"

Make the effort to gather credible facts and ponder their implications. Your views and your vote impact not only your life, but the people around you. Refuse to allow misinformation and bias to restrict or manipulate your thinking. Form your own opinions based upon serious thought and broad knowledge.

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